Kia has revealed two new electric concept cars: meet the EV3 and EV4

Kia is really going hard at this electrification game. It’s held the first Kia EV Day and launched a new production model, the creatively named Kia EV5. Now it’s also showcased two new shiny concept cars, the EV3 and EV4.

The brand tells us it's keen to broaden the appeal of electric cars for drivers with lower budgets, which is good news given the EV9 arrives with a not-so-insignificant £64k price tag. Targeting greater affordability with a £28,000 ($35,000) starting price point, Kia tells us the EV3 takes on the benefits of the flagship EV9 model in a compact SUV form.

Clearly it’s too early for any powertrain or performance details, but from the initial images, it’s clear that – if it goes into production – the EV3 will be to the EV9 what the Evoque is to the Range Rover. No bad thing.

The brand also suggests there’ll be the same configurable versatility in the cabin of the EV3 it’s promising in the EV5, i.e. a camping table and lounge-like swivel and reclining seats in a capacious light and airy cabin.

By contrast, the EV4 takes a saloon shape, but Kia doesn’t necessarily want you to call it a ‘saloon’. If it looks like a spade, and digs like a spade… Still, it’s pretty striking, provided you don’t object to plenty of geometry.

Kia also mentions something about a moveable air-con control panel and fancy ‘mind modes’ that adjust the lighting, ventilation patterns and information presently on the sleek driver display and centre console screens, which is... interesting.

The minimalist floating dash things in the cabins of both concepts do away with much-loved physical buttons, but hey, why let practicality get in the way of a bit of design flair?

Ho-sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Motors, said: “Kia is keenly focused on providing solutions to the concerns that continue to cause hesitation when it comes to making an EV purchase. We will meet customer expectations by offering a full line-up of EVs at various price points and improve charging infrastructure availability.

“As a sustainable mobility solutions provider, Kia’s transition to electric vehicles is a must, not an option. By developing advanced EV technology, bold design, and intuitive services, and applying them to our entire EV line-up, our ultimate aim is to provide Kia’s unique value to as many people as possible. The acceleration towards electrification begins now.”

As part of a broader business strategy, the brand addressed any battery supply concerns by “actively establishing battery joint ventures to ensure a stable global battery supply system in sync with its global EV production network".

It hopes to sell a million EV by 2026, announcing plans to follow Ford and Mercedes in integrating the NACS charging standard to give Kia customer access to the 12,000 North American Tesla Superchargers. Meanwhile, in Europe, it’s partnering with Ionity.